imperio
/imˈpeh-ree-oh/
empire
This image represents an 'imperio' as a historical state, characterized by grand structures and a symbol of royal authority.
📝 In Action
El Imperio Romano duró casi mil años.
B1The Roman Empire lasted almost a thousand years.
La caída del imperio dejó un vacío de poder en la región.
B2The fall of the empire left a power vacuum in the region.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun
Remember that 'imperio' is a masculine word, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el imperio' (the empire).
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Context
This meaning is used almost exclusively when discussing history, geography, or political science.
A financial or commercial 'imperio' is depicted here as a towering structure built on wealth and dominating the market.
📝 In Action
Construyó su imperio inmobiliario desde cero.
B2He built his real estate empire from scratch.
El imperio mediático de la familia controla varios periódicos.
C1The family’s media empire controls several newspapers.
⭐ Usage Tips
Metaphorical Use
This meaning is a metaphor, comparing a highly successful, powerful business network to a huge, powerful historical state.
This illustration captures 'imperio' as absolute control or dominion, where one entity holds complete authority over a domain.
📝 In Action
El dictador ejerció su imperio con mano de hierro.
C1The dictator exercised his dominion with an iron fist.
La ley debe tener imperio sobre todos los ciudadanos.
C2The law must have authority over all citizens.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Usage
In this context, 'imperio' is often reserved for formal or written Spanish, referring to the abstract concept of powerful control, usually in legal or political discussions.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: imperio
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál es la mejor traducción de 'imperio' en la frase: 'El magnate controla un imperio de hoteles'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'imperio' lo mismo que 'reino'?
Not exactly. While both refer to a large territory ruled by a monarch, an 'imperio' (empire) generally implies a larger territory that controls many different peoples and nations, often led by an 'emperador' (emperor). A 'reino' (kingdom) is typically smaller and more homogenous.
How do I know if 'imperio' is referring to a business or a historical state?
Look at the surrounding words! If you see words like 'financiero' (financial), 'mediático' (media), or 'inmobiliario' (real estate), it refers to a business network. If you see names like 'Romano' or dates, it refers to a historical state.